Dynaco vs Sherwood?
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There'll more likely be many varied opinions rather than any consensus when comparing different well-respected amps and manufacturers. You are looking at comparing a higher power 7868-based integrated with a lower power 6BQ5/EL84 set of separates (alternatively EL34 or 6L6 if you go ST70). Because of the different tubes, components and circuitry in each, the sound will likely be somewhat different between them but probably each has their merits depending on the listeners preferences and the associated sources/speakers/room.
General consensus is, there is no consensus. No two ears are the same. Same can be said for listening areas. Speakers,etc. Kind of explains why the rabbit hole simply has no bottom. My system upstairs consists of a 1959 Motorola console with a set of Bozak speakers coupled to it. Immensely smooth. Downstairs is a mix of Eico, Marantz, Technics, Esoteric, JBL, Onkyo, Hitachi, Micro Seiki, DIY Sentinel speakers (best I have ever heard) - and I'm still swimming at the top of the hole.
I do prefer the st35 over the st70. Oddly though, I'm a musician and for guitar amps, I prefer el34 over el84. I even prefer 6L6 over el84 ( which my st70 is currently using). So the 35 isn't going anywhere, but I would like an alternative for occasional listening. And figured maybe more power while I'm at it - to drive more hungry speakers.
I own a Sherwood and have never heard a Dynaco. That said, I don't think you can really go wrong with either. We wouldn't still be talking about--and building/modding--Dynacos if they weren't any good. I considered buying Dynaco kits before I decided to seek out an integrated primarily because I don't want a table full of somewhat industrial-looking equipment in my living room.
I own a Sherwood S-5000 and a VTA ST-70. As already mentioned they have two different sound signatures. Is one better, that is a matter of taste. The one thing I don't care for with the Sherwood is the crappy tone control circuits and useless vintage preamp functions. I eventually jumped all of them out. However I LOVE using my Sherwood's amp section. So again, the EL84's are a great little amp tubes.
The PAS can be rehabed up to a VERY respectable level if done right. I think if you make any move try looking at a VTA ST-70 kit. The reason is the flexibility with output tubes. I really prefer my ST-70 with Gold Lion KT-66 output tubes. A VAST difference from a EL34.
That would clearly be an upward move and not a lateral.
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#ST70
Quote from Bob Latino
Output tubes > EL34, 6L6, KT66, KT77, KT88 or 6550 tubes
As driver tubes > 12AU7, 12BH7, 5963, 5814, 6189 or the Mullard CV4003
The PAS can be rehabed up to a VERY respectable level if done right. I think if you make any move try looking at a VTA ST-70 kit. The reason is the flexibility with output tubes. I really prefer my ST-70 with Gold Lion KT-66 output tubes. A VAST difference from a EL34.
That would clearly be an upward move and not a lateral.
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#ST70
Quote from Bob Latino
Output tubes > EL34, 6L6, KT66, KT77, KT88 or 6550 tubes
As driver tubes > 12AU7, 12BH7, 5963, 5814, 6189 or the Mullard CV4003
Last edited:
DonP1
Active Member
I am too. I think the EL84's don't get a good chance in the guitar world because they are typically married with sub-standard OT's. I have a Monoprice 15 that sounds fantastic however.
If you want to hear something good, I've hooked my SCA-35 up with a Mesa Studio pre-amp. Fantastic. I like Dynaco's because they are easy to work on and have a good support group. I have a Lafayette LA-350 (equal to the SCA-35) but it's harder to work on.
I know this local guy Jeff, who owns Savage Audio here in the Twin Cities. He makes really nice sounding el84 based amps. And I had an Emery Sounds Spotlight that can run almost any tube. The el84 with the yellow jacket adapter sounded good, but it seems to me that the el34 has more grit. The 6L6 has more chime, and a 6v6 is better at walking the grey area in between. That being said, I haven't been able to play many vintage el84 tubes. It seemed easier to find the others in good old tubes. I was running Blackburn Mullards, Telefunkens, Amperex Bugle Boys, and a few old USA made tubes. I did pull a couple vintage el84s from a scrap Tandberg 74 r2r. I should audition those!